FEMA approves additional $48.8 million for Panama City Hurricane Michael debris removal expenses

Panama City, Florida — FEMA has approved $48,827,629 for the State of Florida to reimburse Panama City for debris removal costs following Hurricane Michael.

The funds will reimburse the city for debris cleanup activities including collection and disposal of 1,190,800 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 1,105,132 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris. The city also removed 9,858 hanging limbs and 10,696 damaged leaning trees that posed a threat to public health and safety.

FEMA has already approved $26.3 million for Panama City’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses bringing the total to more than $75.1 million.

This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects after final approval.

Once a project is obligated by FEMA, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.